Quetta mine blast: Miners still trapped after 14 hours

QUETTA: Despite the passage of 14 hours, 12 miners trapped in a private mine in Singidi, 40 kilometers from Quetta, are still awaiting rescue but chances of finding them alive are slowly diminishing.

According to Chief Inspector Mines Balochistan, Abdul Ghani Baloch, the entrance to the mine was completely blocked and electricity was shut off due to the explosion.

 “We have now cleared off the debris after several hours of hectic efforts and are laying the electricity cables,” he said.

Eight kidnaped miners rescued in Lakki Marwat, eight still missing

After the electricity cables are laid, we will send rescue workers inside the mine, to where the workers are trapped, he said.

According to labour leader Lala Sultan, “The delay in rescue efforts is reducing the chances of finding the miners alive.” The tragic incident occurred on Thursday evening when trapped methane gas inside the mine caused an explosion. As a result, 12 miners became trapped.

A local rescue team, along with two teams from the provincial capital, Quetta began the search for the workers in the private mine soon after the incident.